Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method, composition and kit for effectively protecting plants from soil-borne diseases in a system utilizing a microorganism. The present invention provides a method of controlling soil-borne diseases of plants, the method comprising a step of applying a Pseudomonas bacterium and glutamic acid to a soil or a plant. This invention also provides a composition for controlling soil-borne diseases, and a kit for controlling soil-borne diseases, the composition and kit which comprise a Pseudomonas bacterium and glutamic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provites a compound having the following structure: wherein, in the formula: X is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, substituted hydroxy, halogen, thiol, and substituted thiol; one of Y1 and Y2 is hydrogen or alkyl, and the other is Z-W, wherein Z is a single bond, or a divalent group having alkane or substituted alkane having two hydrogen atoms removed, and W is hydroxy, substituted hydroxy, aldehyde, carboxyl, or substituted carboxyl; and R1-R24 are independently selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, and substituted alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention provites a compound having the following structure: wherein, in the formula: X is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, substituted hydroxy, halogen, thiol, and substituted thiol; one of Y1 and Y2 is hydrogen or alkyl, and the other is Z-W, wherein Z is a single bond, or a divalent group having alkane or substituted alkane having two hydrogen atoms removed, and W is hydroxy, substituted hydroxy, aldehyde, carboxyl, or substituted carboxyl; and R1-R24 are independently selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, and substituted alkyl.

Abstract: A method for regulating cell death in a plant, includes the steps of: transforming a plant cell with a polynucleotide containing a gene encoding DS9 or a homologue thereof or a part of the gene; and redifferentiating the transgenic plant cell to obtain a plant. The DS9 or the homologue thereof is an ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease. The polynucleotide decreases or increases production of the ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease in the plant cell, whereby cell death of a cell in the plant is promoted or suppressed.

Abstract: A method for regulating cell death in a plant, includes the steps of: transforming a plant cell with a polynucleotide containing a gene encoding DS9 or a homologue thereof or a part of the gene; and redifferentiating the transgenic plant cell to obtain a plant. The DS9 or the homologue thereof is an ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease. The polynucleotide decreases or increases production of the ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease in the plant cell, whereby cell death of a cell in the plant is promoted or suppressed.